Unregistered pets in Glenelg Shire to be transferred to Warrnambool RSPCA under new management model

From January 14, RSPCA will cease operations at Portland's Darts Road animal shelter with council taking full ownership instead.

Councillors had voted to transition to a new service model for the the provision of animal welfare services last year.

Under the new arrangement, all unregistered animals in Glenelg Shire will be transferred to the RSPCA Victoria animal shelter in Warrnambool.

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Glenelg Shire Mayor Anita Rank said registered pets would remain available for collection from the Portland shelter.

"This new model, which will be in effect from 2022, will ensure RSPCA Victoria continues to remain involved in local operations and that animal welfare is at the heart of animal shelter services," she said.

"Animals that are taken to the Darts Road shelter and are not registered, will be transferred to the RSPCA Victoria animal shelter in Warrnambool. From there, they will be made available for adoption, unless an owner comes forward to collect within eight days.

"If an animal is registered however, Glenelg Local laws staff will endeavour to return the animal to their owners or if unable to be contacted, owners will be able to collect direct from the Portland shelter.

"This is the key difference - the responsibility will be on pet-owners to ensure their furry friends are registered and not transferred to RSPCA Warrnambool.

"We look for forward to operating the centre from January 2022 and we also look forward to strengthening our relationship with key agencies such as the RSPCA and the Warrnambool City Council to ensure animals in the Glenelg Shire are given the best opportunities."

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